Fillings and crowns

A filling repairs a small cavity and a crown covers a tooth that is cracked or too damaged for a filling.

Step by step

What happens

01
Step 1: We look and explain
Dr. Aiyar shows you the tooth and the options, and you decide whether to go ahead.
02
Step 2: Numbing
She numbs the area and waits until you tell her it is working. If the first dose isn't enough, say so and we add more.
03
Step 3: The repair
She removes the damaged part and places a filling. For a crown she shapes the tooth and takes an impression, and you wear a temporary one.
04
Step 4: A second visit for a crown
A lab makes the crown, and a second visit fits it. A filling is usually done in one.

Staying comfortable
Local numbing is used for fillings and crowns. You can add nitrous oxide, and stop at any time with your signal.
Ways to stay comfortable
If you wait
A cavity or crack can get larger, and a bigger repair is usually more work than a small one. Dr. Aiyar tells you how urgent it is, and you choose.
Risks and after-care
The numbing wears off in a few hours, so avoid chewing on that side until it does. A tooth can feel sensitive for a few days. A crown can need adjusting, and we will see you again if the bite feels high.
How it is billed
You get a written estimate before we start, with each step and its fee. We file claims with your plan where we can.
How fees work

The area is numbed first and we wait until you tell us it is working. We can't promise you will feel nothing, and if you do, we stop and add more.

A filling is usually one visit. A crown is usually two.

Dr. Aiyar talks through the materials she uses and why, before she begins.

Tell us. We stop, wait, and try again, or we plan the next visit with nitrous oxide.

Dr. Aiyar provides this care as a general dentist. Request a visit and tell Symone how you want to be reached.